First of all, let’s get into what really is turpentine. Where did this weird-sounding word originate from?
Turpentine which is also known as turpentine oil is a liquid-like substance that is obtained from mainly different species of pines. It is obtained by the process of distillation of resin.
It is a colorless liquid with a pungent taste. The solubility of Turpentine oil can be defined as it is soluble in alcohol, chloroform, and glacial acetic acid. It basically acts as a solvent for oils, waxes, and natural rubber. It hardens when exposed to normal temperature.
Turpentine for oil painting is a wide application for turpentine oil. It is used as a paint thinner for making paints thin for better coating. Brushes of paints are also cleaned using turpentine oil as it is less expensive than any other solvent. It also has applications in the chemical industry, where it is used as a rubber solvent for manufacturing plastics.
Nowadays, it has a lot of applications in the chemical industry, in the synthesis of insecticides, camphor, and many more.
Since turpentine oil is basically derived from pine trees. It is generally produced in countries that have a great source of pine trees. Pine trees have large reserves in the United States and most countries in the European continent.
Turpentine oil is classified into categories on the basis of its production.
- Sulfate Turpentine
Sulfate Turpentine is obtained from the process of cooking the pulp of wood in the course of the manufacture of Kraft paper. In this process, it is actually obtained as a by-product.
- Wood Turpentine
Shredded bits of pine wood are distilled by the process of steam distillation.
- Crude Turpentine
Whereas wood turpentine is obtained by the traditional method which includes tapping a living pine tree to get crude turpentine. This type of turpentine contains 70% gum rosin and about 18%-20% gum turpentine.
Turpentine oil for paint is one of the major applications of turpentine. Some of the applications of turpentine oil include toothaches when applied to the skin, relieves joints and muscles, it is also effective for lung problems when breathed in and other such conditions. Turpentine which is distilled is used as a flavoring agent in food products. It also has applications in the cosmetic and soap industries.
In excess use, Turpentine oil can be toxic. For example, it is highly unsafe if consumed by humans. It can have some serious side effects including headache, coughing, bleeding lungs, vomiting, and in rare cases can also lead to death.
Some people may have an allergic reaction when turpentine is applied to the skin. They may result in irritation on the skin and can cause serious damage to the skin.
There isn’t enough information about if turpentine oil is safe if inhaled. It can cause discomfort in the throat and lungs. Particularly in people suffering from asthma
Many people have this question in mind “Where to buy turpentine oil?”. There are multiple suppliers of turpentine oil, and some of them supply it at a cheaper rate whereas if the quality is the priority, Tradeasia International is the first choice in that case.